Objectives: The present study was aimed at investigating the ameliorative effect of Ocimum sanctum in sciatic nerve transection (axotomy)-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.
Materials and methods: Sciatic nerve transection-induced axonal degeneration was assessed histopathologically. Paw pressure, Von Frey Hair, tail cold-hyperalgesia, motor in-coordination tests were performed to assess the extent of neuropathy. Biochemical estimations of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total calcium levels were also performed. Methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum at different doses (50, 100 and 200mg/kg p.o.) was administered for 10 consecutive days starting from the day of surgery.
Results: Administration of Ocimum sanctum attenuated sciatic nerve transection-induced axonal degeneration, reduction of nociceptive threshold and motor in-coordination. Moreover, it also attenuated axotomy-induced rise in TBARS, total calcium and decrease in GSH levels in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: Anti-oxidant and calcium attenuating actions may be responsible for observed ameliorative effects of Ocimum sanctum in axotomy-induced neuropathy.